Cop-promotion Suit By Union Dismissed

June 20, 1998

CHICAGO — A Cook County judge on Friday tossed out a lawsuit challenging the Chicago Police Department's promotion practices.

The suit, filed last November by the Fraternal Order of Police, sought a permanent injunction blocking the city from imposing a new educational requirement on officers who want to take sergeants exams. The requirement mandates that officers who seek to take the test have two years of college credit.

In dismissing the suit, Circuit Judge Ronald Riley ruled that the union lacked legal standing to bring the action.

Thomas Pleines, general counsel for the FOP, vowed an appeal of Riley's ruling. Tracey Ladner, an attorney for the city, called the ruling appropriate.